Nonprofit Applauds Local Alderman's Voting Record, CPS Support

A North Side politician is among those being considered for a high aldermanic honor that represents his commitment to democracy.

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) is one of eight Chicago City Council members who's been named a finalist in the Jan. 28 Independent Voters of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization's 2013 Best Aldermanic Voting Record Awards. Others in the running are Aldermen John Arena (45th), Robert Fioretti (2nd), Toni Foulkes (15th), Leslie Hairston (5th), Ricardo Munoz (22nd), Brendan Reilly (42nd) and Nocholas Sposato (36th).

A final ranking will be bestowed upon each alderman at next week's ward ceremony.

"It's an honor to receive the award," Waguespack said. "I think there's a lot of people in the organization who appreciate the work that a group of us are doing to try and make sure that there's democracy and discussion in the city council, which doesn't always happen. In fact, rarely."

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Eight aldermen—Waguespack, Fioretti, Arena, Foulkes, Munoz, Hairston, Sposato and Roderick Sawyer (6th)—will also be recognized at the event for their support of Chicago Public Schools teachers and the Chicago Teachers Union during last year's strike.

Aldermen Arena, Hairston, Joe Moore (49th) and James Cappleman (46th) will also be commended for implementing community-based budgeting processes in their wards.

The IVI-IPO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to good government activism and the promotion of open and honest governmental practices, according to its mission statement. The group participates in voter registration efforts in addition to endorsing candidates and lobbying for governmental reform.

"I just take it as an indication that there are people out there who want that discussion and argument about how the city should move forward," Waguespack said. "So I'm just grateful there's people listening out there and concerned about the direction that the city's moving."

Waguespack said Tuesday that he planned to attend the awards ceremony, which will be held on Monday, Jan. 28 at Pegasus Restaurant, 130 S. Halsted St., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $25 for IVI-IPO members and $55 for non-members. See the organization's website for more informatio

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